10 Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Before Moving Into a New House

Moving into a new home is exciting – but before you unpack, it’s worth tackling a few projects that are easier (and cheaper) to do in an empty house. From changing locks to refinishing floors, here are 10 projects to complete before move-in day to save time, money, and stress down the road.

1. Change your new home’s locks

First and foremost, it’s important to keep your family and your new home safe. So before moving in, be sure to change your locks, whether that means calling a locksmith or doing it yourself. Don’t forget the back door and garage door locks, as well as any sheds or other buildings on your property.

2. Remove popcorn ceilings

Older homes may have textured “popcorn” on the ceiling, an unsightly older trend that gives your home’s interior a dated look. It’s important to note that these types of ceilings may contain asbestos. If it does, you’ll need to hire a professional asbestos removal company to remove it from your home. If your home was built before the 1980s and has popcorn ceilings, it’s highly recommended to call a professional for testing and removal.

3. Deep clean the whole house

Whether you do it yourself or hire a service, all homes can benefit from having every nook and cranny scrubbed, especially the bathrooms and kitchen. Don’t forget to include cleaning the cabinets and drawers, too. This may also be a good time to install shelf liners and any drip-protectors to preserve the life of the cabinets.

4. Paint your home’s interior

Adding a fresh coat of paint is a simple and affordable home improvement project that can add color and bring new life into your space. It also helps defend your home’s surfaces from wear and tear. Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it, it’s a lot easier to paint without having to navigate around furniture. Painting before you move in also means you don’t have to deal with the smell of drying paint.

5. Add storage options in closets

Installing shelving before settling into your home gives you more space to store your belongings and helps prevent clutter from the start. The pantry and storage closets may need extra shelving and organization, too. If you have a smaller home, additional shelves up to the ceiling can help you keep organized and your space less cluttered.

6. Make electrical upgrades

While you can make these upgrades at any time, everything will be easier to get to in an empty space. If you’re moving into an older home, especially one built in the mid-1990s or earlier, consider installing extra electrical outlets or upgrading the existing ones. Many older homes don’t have the electrical capacity for the number of electronics and powerful devices that we use today. Additional outlets in your rooms can make it easier to arrange furniture, including speakers, gaming systems, and light fixtures, while making room for everyone to plug in their phones.

7. Replace the flooring

If you’re moving into a brand-new home, you may not need to make any improvements to your floors. However, if you’re not a fan of carpet or tile, or the existing wood floors need to be refinished, this is a perfect time to make changes. If you put it off, you’ll have to deal with moving all of your furniture out of the way. And who wants to move furniture twice? There are many unique and eco-friendly flooring options to consider, from reclaimed hardwood to concrete. As the flooring is being updated, contractors can also replace baseboards and any other trim work to match.

8. Install fencing around your property

The house you’ve just purchased may not have adequate fencing for your pets or children. If so, this is a great time to consider adding it. Installing fencing can provide safety for your family, conceal a swimming pool or hot tub, reduce traffic noise, protect landscaping, give you privacy, increase your home’s curb appeal, and much more. It’s also a desired feature by many homebuyers. So when it comes time to sell your home years down the line, this home improvement project may increase its value and make it stand out in the local housing market.

9. Call pest control to address and prevent infestations

Even if you don’t see bugs, mice, or other pests in your home, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there or that they won’t decide to move in. You can prevent ants, roaches, and other insects from making your home theirs by bringing in a professional pest control company. Keep in mind that if your neighbors all have chemical pest barriers and you don’t, colonies of insects may target your home instead.

10. Take care of remodeling projects in high-traffic areas

Anyone who has renovated a frequently used area like a kitchen or bathroom knows how inconvenient it can be. So if you already know you’ll be remodeling these high-traffic spaces, consider doing so prior to move-in, whether it’s simple fixes like replacing outlet covers or updating window treatments, or larger fixes like changing out an old door, switching out old windows, or updating a ceiling fan. Also, before moving forward with your remodel, be sure to discuss with your contractor if your home improvement project will require a building permit.

Home improvement project FAQs

If I’m looking to increase my home’s value, which projects should I consider?

If you’re looking to boost resale value as well as comfort, prioritize upgrades that improve functionality and curb appeal, such as:

• Installing a new garage door
• Replacing existing windows or roof
• Refresh your home’s landscaping
• Update flooring or kitchen fixtures

Which home improvement projects don’t add value?

While some renovations are purely for aesthetic reasons, many homeowners take on home improvement projects to increase the value of their homes. If this applies to you, don’t prioritize the following projects that don’t add value:

• Converting a bedroom to a closet
• Installing high-end fixtures
• Painting with bold colors or patterns
• Elaborate landscaping and outdoor features

Which projects can I do for under $1,000?

Home improvement projects don’t have to break the bank. Here are some renovation projects under $1,000 that can improve the look and feel of your home:

• Update cabinet knobs and handles
• Update your kitchen backsplash
• Plant flowers and trees
• Add safety measures like security cameras

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